The Demons came up against the unbeaten Blues and pushed them all the way before falling narrowly short of their fourth victory of the season. In the week before the game the Carlton players had suggested to the committee by way of a poster in the club rooms that they should get a trip to Surfers Paradise if they won.

Carlton won with stamina, discipline and will-power but Melbourne's goalkicking accuracy which kept them in touch through the first three terms. Overall the Demons were a disappointment - albeit in a game where they held Carlton to their lowest winning margin all season - but still could have won the game. Their half-forward line was weak and their traditionally strong defence were easily beaten.

Even though they had been second best side all day, the Demons could have stolen victory when they were just seven points down with a few minutes left.